String of alleged arson incidents in Old Colorado City leave a townhome and car a total loss
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - A man is in custody after the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) says he allegedly carried out three separate acts of arson in Old Colorado City, which led to a 2nd alarm fire at a townhome, and two vehicles at two separate addresses going up in flames.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) says it responded to three different fires within 90 minutes of one another on Sunday night, one on West Pikes Peak Ave, and two on West Kiowa Street.
The first blaze broke out on West Pikes Peak Avenue, at the townhome of brothers Erik and Trevor Nau, around 8:50 p.m. on Sunday night.
"We were out getting a slice of pizza, and my neighbor called and asked if I was home, and he said, 'Your jeep just blew up in your driveway. Your house is on fire. Are you home?', I thought it was a joke at first." explained Erik. "It just took, you know, a few seconds to process... and then it became more and more serious."
They arrived back home to a hectic scene, which demanded a 2nd alarm from Colorado Springs Fire. However by then the brothers say it was too late. Between the fire, smoke and water, their home was left a total loss.
"We've got golf clubs. Everything we own in this in this garage for outdoor activities. But everything has just perished in this fire." said Trevor.
Colorado Springs Police, and CSFD determined through an investigation, with the help of security video from Erik's phone, that the fire was an act of Arson.
They also determined that two other vehicle fires along West Kiowa Street, which were both started within 90 minutes of the blaze at the Nau's townhome on Sunday night, were done by the same person.
That night, CSFD says one of their drones, which is typically used for helping firefighters with an overhead perspective, helped locate a suspect who had been reported by multiple neighbors to be suspiciously walking around in the area.
Colorado Springs Police officers would eventually arrest 28-year-old Bernie Hidalgo.
"At the end of the day, just it's just it's just angry, senseless actions." said Erik. "Try to understand why. You know, it seems like after the following incidents, there is no rhyme or reason. It was just a random selection." added Trevor.
Despite the destruction to their home, the two brothers were relieved to know that their dog, Max, made it out of the fire. They say he was wobbling while trying to walk, and was having a hard time breathing.
Firefighters gave the dog oxygen for quite a bit Sunday night. Erik says their pup is now at the vet, and is expected to recover.
Throughout Monday morning and afternoon neighbors from up and down West Pikes Peak Avenue could be seen stopping by to look at the damage, but also taking time to talk to Erik and Trevor, sharing coffee, snacks, water and supplies.
"I like the neighborhood. Things like this put a sour taste in your mouth, but I do like the neighborhood. I love my neighbors. The neighborhood's great." said Erik.
Hidalgo, the alleged arsonist, remains in the El Paso County Jail on a $10,000 dollar bond, and is set to appear in court this week.
UPDATED: If you'd like to help support the Nau's, including vet bills they're facing as their dog Max has begun to struggle to breath unless he is on oxygen, you can click here.
